1959 Austin A 90 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 90. (102 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1959 Austin A 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 90. (214 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 90. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 90 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
